Benitoite

This is a choice and well balanced Benitoite specimen from the the California State Gem Mine containing rather huge Benitoite crystals to over an inch! Four blue, zoned, triangular Benitoite crystals adorn the top of this fine small cabinet piece and are set off by the contrasting snow-white Natrolite, from the classic and type locality for the species. The crystals sit well-displayed in the white nest of natrolite to show off their color, form and zoning. These beautiful Benitoites range in size from 1.3 to 2.5 cm in maximum dimension! They are nicely zoned with a thick, intense sapphire blue rim that makes up much of the crystal and a pale blue core for great contrast, and the bright white Natrolite for a backdrop accentuates the lovely crystals. The Benitoites have good to excellent luster with the thin, rectangular prism faces and small triangular faces at the corners having bright luster. This is a well composed and colorful piece, but with two crystals exceeding 1 inch in size on edges, this is also a significant specimen, not something often seen these days.